The Minister of Culture and Communications, Mathieu Lacombe, has given his support to his colleague Christine Fréchette should she wish to enter the race for the leadership of the Coalition Avenir Québec.
According to him, the big challenge for François Legault’s successor will be to be able to combine economics and nationalism, which form “the DNA of the Coalition Avenir Québec”.
“I sincerely believe that the best person to do it is my colleague Christine Fréchette. I have known her for several years and I am convinced that she has everything it takes to be premier,” he wrote on X Monday morning.
Salut tout le monde,Dans les derniers jours, j’ai beaucoup réfléchi à la succession de M. Legault. Le grand défi, ce sera de choisir une cheffe qui arrivera à maintenir ce qui fait l’ADN de la Coalition Avenir Québec : l’économie et le nationalisme.Je crois sincèrement que la… pic.twitter.com/eSeHZxbWBe
He believes that the current Minister of the Economy is a “unifying, calm, rigorous leader capable of extending a hand”.
“While she continues to reflect, I want to assure her that, if she takes the plunge, I will be by her side,” added Lacombe.
The minister noted that the current economic situation, disrupted by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs and inflation, necessitates the choice of a leader “capable of understanding these concerns, making responsible choices and keeping our economy strong.”
Describing himself as a nationalist, he believes that Quebec must continue to do more to protect French and promote the province’s culture.
Christine Fréchette is currently considering whether to run to succeed Legault, who announced his resignation as premier last week. Fréchette has also received the support of the Minister of Cybersecurity and Digital Affairs, Gilles Bélanger.
Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette is also beginning to garner some support within the party. On Saturday, Transport and Sustainable Mobility Minister Jonatan Julien announced he would back him.
“He is a competent and exceptional leader in a human sense. A hard worker with a clear vision, who prioritizes the interests of Quebec before his own,” he maintained on X.
Jolin-Barrette has not yet commented on his possible participation in the leadership race.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
